Estimation of Perioperative Serum Potassium Levels and Cardiovascular Changes during Laparoscopic Surgery: An Observational Study

Background: Laparoscopic surgeries are preferred and are becoming a standard therapeutic procedure. CO2 insufflation in these surgeries results in hemodynamic changes and fluctuations in the potassium level. Materials and Methods: The observational study was conducted in Department of Anaesthesia in Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre on 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Blood potassium level and hemodynamic parameters (pulse rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure) were measured at four stages of surgery (preinduction, pre-insufflation, immediate postexsufflation, and immediately after extubation) were recorded. The results were analyzed by Students “t” test and P < 0.01 was considered as significant. Results: The changes in potassium level showed a significant difference in postexsufflation stage in which potassium level changed significantly (<0.01). The hemodynamic parameters (pulse rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure) showed no significant difference in four stages of surgeries. Conclusion: This study endorses that checking of serum potassium should be conducted in patients enduring laparoscopic procedures of extended duration.